GAME ON!

Two weeks ago, Manchester United had it all. They sat pretty at the top of the Premier League, and had secured a place in the quarterfinals of the Champions League. Things were going smooth. But little did they know that this would be the silence before the storm – a red storm called Liverpool FC that would wreck their quiet confidence and transform tranquility to chaos, and how!

On 14^th March 2009 United came tumbling down to earth with a 4-1 hammering by their fiercest rivals in their own backyard. And all so suddenly, the Red Devils seemed so much more human again. That afternoon, Liverpool sent out a message – a message that the battle is far from over.

But United still had the upper hand in the overall picture. Four points ahead of their conquerors, with a game in hand, and ten more to play, they could still cruise home with ease. Fast-forward to 21^st March 2009 – Fulham v United. A spirited performance from the hosts stunned the champions. The next day, Liverpool mauled Aston Villa 5-0. And that was the day the title race came roaring back to life.

With 9 games to go, the picture isn’t as rosy anymore if you are a United fan. 1 point ahead, with a game in hand – a potential lead of 4 points; still too early, and too close, to put the champagne on ice. An out-of-sorts Aston Villa come visiting after the international break. United will be looking to put painful days behind them by registering a convincing win. That task will be made that much more difficult by the farcical sendings-off of Rooney and Scholes in their previous game. But they’ll be charged up nevertheless. The wounded tiger will be ready for the kill.

On a brighter note, its happy days at Anfield back again. Moving in the right direction in the league, securing a quarterfinal berth against rivals Chelsea in the Champions League after a 4-0 thrashing of Real Madrid, and to top it all off, their manager signing a new long-term contract, Liverpool seem to be the team with the smile at the moment. But they know any minor slip-up will throw their title pursuit off course, and they’ll be back to being also-rans in the title race.

The Reds’ success has struck a positive note at Stamford Bridge as well. Chelsea will now believe that United are within reach, although that belief will have been shaken by their 1-0 defeat by Tottenham last week.

But the title is still United’s to lose. Nevertheless, Liverpool have done us all a favor (unless you’re a United fan) by throwing the title race open, and unsettling the swagger at Manchester. Only time will tell where the Premier League title will finally find its resting place for the summer – at Manchester, Liverpool, or London.

IPL- QUICKSAND Or QUICK BUCK???!!!

It's IPL season yet again... and the storm around it doesn't seem to subside. Riddled with controversies since it's inception, the 2nd season of the Indian Premier League finds itself in quicksand, yet again!

This time round though, the all powerful Mr. Lalit Modi and Indian Cricket Board have been forced to retrace their steps by the Central and State Governments.

The point of contention: Clash of dates between the General Elections and the IPL .

The IPL committee on it's part has worked and reworked it's itinerary around the poll dates, but increasing security concerns and the reluctance of several of the host states has forced them into a tight corner.

Well, now where does all this leave the IPL?

1. Postpone the event!... Should seem the most obvious solution... but with no window in the ICC calendar , this option was shown the door.

2. Truncate the event- A suggestion, but should be seen only as a last ditch effort. In it's current format, all the 59 matches are indispensable. Moreover, fewer matches means a proportionate fall in revenues... and who are we kidding, the IPL's about the 'money' honey!

3. Cancel the '09 version - No way! This not only means no revenue but starving all us ardent fans of what we love the most... the cricket!!! And this being only the 2nd season, it would set a bad precedent.

So, finally Mr. Modi and his team have decided... to shift the venue. The prospective hosts being either the English or the Proteas!

Well, the people in charge may not be all that gung-ho about it right now, but I say ... "Fear not guys! This is a Blessing in Disguise!

This I reckon, is a golden opportunity for all the franchise's to expand their fan base. Touring overseas will open the doors to many more audiences, a lot of whom might not have been able to catch it on television, be it because of the time zone differences or well, in it's essence the IPL is still a domestic tournament.
But now, all that's set to change! Local fans in England, South Africa or wherever else it finally kick's off have the opportunity to witness first hand, this phenomenon called the Indian Premier League!... and from experience I can assure you that they'll be swept off their feet!

This, moreover, is a strategy being employed by many of the top European Football Clubs! In the recent past several of these clubs have played exhibition matches in South-East and Middle-East Asia during their off season, to enhance their popularity! The result, most average Asians are aware of Manchester United, Christiano Ronaldo and Sir Alex Ferguson to say the least. And the more knowledgable footie fans now recite White Hart Lane, Noucamp, Santiago Bernabeu and the San Siro like the names off their own backyard!

All this despite having a very minimal connection with any of these clubs, either in terms of geography or with respect to countrymen being associated with these institutions. A handful of Asians play in these leagues, the most notable of course being South Korea's Park Ji Sung!

So, if these clubs can become household names despite all these obstacles, surely the IPL can do the same if not better it!

Logistically also, I feel, the IPL has an upper hand. The reason: As it is, the IPL at it's core revolves around International Cricketers who will therefore bring along their own fan following. So for example, if the Royal Challengers are playing at the Lords, then surely the English would be cheering for them, especially since KP is now their skipper as well! All this, in it's nascent stages augers well for IPL!

From Johannesburg to Jamaica, Manchester to Melbourne... IPL is set to create a tsunami! This is the chance to go global in the truest sense! Let the games begin!!!

RIGHT OR LEFT???...

The mercury is rising in Melbourne, and as men and mortals swoon and faint,the MASTER and his ASSAILANT have, yet again, risen from the haze to face off in another battle!
Roger and Rafa and their renowned rivalry has already etched it's place firmly in history!!!... So, we ask what is it that keeps these two gladiators going???

Well, Federer having had his crown snatched away from him is rearing to have a go... and his rather dismal record against Nadal is definately going to spur him on. And then there is the chance to ecclipse Pistol Pete looming large...
Federer is now set to proove his many detractors ( the ones who wrote him away a mere 6 months ago!)... and those betting against him had better watch out!

Rafa, on the other hand has an unsatiable hunger for victory ... that few can claim to match. That extra shot he always manages to put in, has ensured that he'll leave an indeligible stamp in tennis history.
Having annexed the topmost ranking and conquered the lawns of Wimbledon... the Spanish Matador is all set to storm the hard courts... and win his first Aussie Open!!!

The crafty right hander or the sauve southpaw?... as the world watches and waits... the heat is on in Melbourne... the 1st of February approaches...!!!

IT BEGINS. ALL OVER AGAIN.

It’s been a good three months since we last saw some heart stopping, adrenalin pumping premier league football action. That’s all about to change today. The irrepressible hunger of premier league fans the world over will finally begin to be satisfied this afternoon.

The eyes of the footballing world turn to The Emirates Stadium first up, as title contenders’ Arsenal attempt to start the season as they did last year, with unparalleled style and panache, against new-boys West Brom. Arsenal will be looking to set the pace for the rest of the title contenders again, but more importantly, to keep up with it throughout the season. And new signings Samir Nasri and Aaron Ramsey will be looking to fill the void left by the departures of Alex Hleb and Mathieu Flamini.

It hasn’t been a sleepy summer break by any stretch of the imagination. There’s been a flurry of activity on the transfer front, with big players exiting the league, and yet more coming in.

Champions Manchester United though, have been fairly quiet. But then again, maybe not. As any United fan will tell you, holding on to marquee player Cristiano Ronaldo was as big a chunk of good news as any new signing can possible bring. What remains to be seen, though, is if Ronaldo can keep up his sterling performances of last season. After all, though the lad may be physically in Manchester, his heart wanders the hallowed green turfs of the Bernabeu. As far as transfer arrivals go, United are widely tipped to bring in Spurs’ frontman Dimitar Berbatov before Sunday’s opener against Newcastle United, thereby further strengthening that already fantastic squad. Some experts, though, tip United to finish second to Chelsea. Fergie, I’m sure, will disagree.

Chelsea are very much like the wounded tiger, eager for vengeance, and eager for silverware. They finished trophyless last time around, but could so easily have ended with three of them. They let slip the Carling Cup, Premier League and Champions’ League, with a margin as wide as any of the few hairs on Luis Felipe Scolari’s head. Chelsea will be eager to bite back, and bite back hard. This is a team burning with ambition, and brimming with talent. New arrival Deco will add to the quality of a world-class midfield starring Lampard, Ballack, Essien, and Joe Cole. They kick off their league campaign against Potsmouth at Stamford Bridge.

Liverpool, perennial title contenders, have never quite had it in them to scale that final frontier called consistency. Breathtaking at times, Liverpool can turn on the heat against any given opposition on their day. But those days don’t seem to come often enough for the Anfield faithful, who are keen to end their 18-year Premier League title drought. Quality is something The Reds do not lack in, with Mr Liverpool, Stevie Gerrard, forming the crux of the Liverpool attack spearheaded by the exciting new partnership of Fernando Torres and Robbie Keane. Keane, with his sharp vision and admirable creativity is tipped to provide opportunities up front as well as score a bagful of goals himself.

But the time for talk is over. It is time for fans to hoist their flags, hold up their pennants, and sing their songs. It is time for managers to pull up their socks, and put on their thinking caps, and prepare for another 10-month long battle of wits with their peers. It is time for players to don their gladiator spirit, to mercilessly do battle to realise their ambitions. The world watches. It is time.

THE 'GOLDEN' BOY!!!

My nerves were a jangling orchestra as I watched the final of the 10m Air Rifle event like all of my compatriots, the few who managed to catch the event early this morning that is. A breathtaking final that went down to the wire before the winner emerged . And the winner...

Abhinav Bindra, India

At 25 years of age, Abhinav Bindra becomes the first Indian to win an Individual Gold Medal at the Olympics. This is also the first time the tri colour has fluttered atop the highest step of the podium since the '80 Moscow Olympics! (That was when India's previous Gold came, the Mens' hockey team being the victors!)

Abhinav in fact arrived in Beijing as a part of the much touted Indian Shooting Contingent. A nation's medal hopes were pinned on these shooters and after two disappointing days, Abhinav's victory brought alive a billion dreams.

Abinav always showed immense potential.At 17 years of age, he became the youngest Indian at the Sydney Olympics. He secured a Gold(10m Air Rifle- Pairs) and a Silver(10m Air Rifle - Singles) at the Manchester Commonwealth Games in '02. In the following edition at Melbourne he secured a Gold and a Bronze in the same events respectively.

He next went on to win Gold at the World Championship at Zagreb, Croatia in '06, thereby also securing an Olympic birth.

This Olympic medal comes as the Crowning Glory in what has thus far been an illustrious career.

Earlier in the day, the final was a close won with the race for the gold being a three pronged one.
Henri Hakinen of Finland and Qinan Zhu being the other two. With his final shot of 10.8(his best in the finals), Abhinav secured gold!!! :)

The road to the gold wasn't easy and he had to overcome a career threatening back problem which even prevented him from lifting the rifle!

Abhinav's victory is one that has come despite many odds. In a sport that is yet to be counted amongst the foremost in this country, Abhinav's victory is thanks to (only) his individual efforts.

With talent and immense potential, one can be rest assured that the future holds many more laurels.

It may not rake in the moolah like the IPL did, but this victory has made every Indian proud. To see the tri colour flutter proudly and the national anthem reverberate in Beijing is a 'goosebumps' moment! (The best I can describe it!!! :P) ... the moment every athlete and sports fan dreams about, but one which only a handful realise.

For now, the nation can hail and herald it's SHOOTING STAR, for fulfilling the elusive desire.

Congratulations Abhinav Bindra for winning an (Individual) Olympic Gold and for being the first Indian to do so!!!

We'll Make Olympic History

In this segment Cornerpost profiles 10 athletes who we think will play a defining role in shaping the fate of the Beijing Games.

1. MICHAEL PHELPS
NATIONALITY: American
SPORT/EVENT: Swimming

With 6 Olympic golds tucked firmly within, the 6ft 4in swimmer, nicknamed the ‘Baltimore Bullet’, stands tall in Olympic History.
Eight Olympic medals in his very first outing and eight more lined up for this summer, Mark Spitz’s record for 7 World Records in the pool is set to fade into history.
His battle in the finals of the Athens ‘04 200m freestyle with Ian Thorpe and Hoogenband went on to be nicknamed the ‘Race of the Century’ and denied him the record equaling 7th Gold medal.
So, with eight events on his schedule and riding on amazing form this season Michael Phelps is all set for yet another rich haul that could catapult him into the ‘astrosphere’ ;) of Sporting History!

P.S. His sponsors Speedo have lined up a whooping 1 mn USD bonus should he win 7 or more Golds at Beijing!!!...8-)

2.LIU XIANG

NATIONALITY: Chinese
SPORT/EVENT: 110m Hurdles

Initially criticized by his coach as having a ‘terrible’ technique, Liu has come a long way to become the first Gold Medalist for China in men’s track and field events in Athens ‘04.

The Golden Boy of track and field events for the Chinese, Liu Xiang is prime contender for the 110m hurdles at Beijing. The defending Olympic Champion has also achieved the ‘Triple Crown’ (World Record, World Champion and Olympic Champion concurrently)!!!

Liu triumphs are even more significant because sprint events were traditionally not something Asians were the favourites for.
In fact his world record equaling Olympic victory at Athens with a time of 12.91 seconds was the first time an athlete of non-African descent had gone under 13 seconds in the event.
He has been quoted as saying, “I want to prove to all the world that Asians can run very fast.”
This Gold Medalist also has a heart of Gold. He donated 2,500,000 yuan to the recent quake victims!!!

3. ASAFA POWELL and 4. USAIN BOLT

NATIONALITY: Jamaican
SPORT/EVENT: 100m

The title of the ‘World’s Fastest Man’ is one keenly contested battle with at least three evenly matched competitors in Asafa Powell, Usain bolt and World Champion,American Tyson Gay, all of whom have covered the distance in 9.7something seconds!
But perhaps the keenly contested battle is between the two Jamaicans.

Asafa Powell held the world record for 3 continuous years between June ’05 and May ’08. (9.77s and 9.74s) . Athens though didn’t see his best outing as he finished 5th and also pulled out of the 200m race.
Powell has covered 100m in less than 10s 32 times and is one of only two athletes to have legally run the distance in less than 9.8s more than once (5 times in fact), the other being…

Usain Bolt… Powell’s compatriot and the current world record holder, having knocked off Powell’s title with a time of 9.72s!
The ‘Lightning Bolt’ has clocked one other sub 9.8s timing.
With much success at the junior level the 22 year old will be looking to set a lightning pace on the track at Beijing!

So, come the 16th of August the world will watch with bated breath as the two Jamaicans engage in battle that will last surely less than 9.8 seconds!!! ;)




5. YELENA ISINBAYEVA

NATIONALITY: Russian

SPORT/EVENT: Pole Vault

The indisputable queen of pole- vault, Yelena Isinbayeva has achieved everything very few professionals could claim to have even dreamt off!
The 26 year old Russian initially trained to be a gymnast but later switched to pole-vaulting because she grew too tall to be a gymnast!

She won the Gold in the Athens Olympics and has been unbeaten since!!!
She is an 8 time major champion and is the first woman to clear the 5.00 m barrier. She holds 23 world records against her name and and holds both the indoor record at 4.95m and the outdoor record at 5.04m!!!

Considered the best female pole-vaulter in history, Isinbayeva is almost always her own competition!
She thinks she can reach up to 5.15m and aims to keep going till the Olympics reach London in 2012!
With her form on top as ever this season the Beijing Gold is all but hers!!!

6. CAROLINA KLUFT
NATIONALITY: Swedish
SPORT/EVENT: Triple Jump, Long Jump...
Formerly Heptathlon

This Swedish athlete comes into Beijing focused solely on the Triple and Long jumps.
Carolina Kluft has been unbeaten in heptathlon/pentathlon since March ’02.
She is also the only athlete to win three world titles in the heptathlon.

Despite being the reigning Olympic,World and European Champion in the heptathlon, she has decided to forego the event at Beijing citing lack of motivation as the reason!
Kluft thus comes in with a vast amount of experience, and one can be rest assured that she’ll be satisfied with nothing but the top step of the podium!!!

8. ROGER FEDERER
NATIONALITY: Swiss
and
9. RAFAEL NADAL
NATIONALITY: Spanish

SPORT/EVENT: Tennis

After the red clay of Roland Garros and the lush greens of Wimbledon, Fedex and Rafa are continuing their battle in the most ancient and holiest of stages, the Olympics!!!
Much has been said about their individual talents, their rivalry and the epic final at Wimbledon has left no one with any doubts!
With Rafa getting the better of Federer twice already this year,the incumbent World No.1 holds all the aces while the Swiss Master has his work cut out .
They are both legends in their own right and with neither having tasted the Olympic Gold, the world shall watch as Beijing’s courts shall bear testimony to a match up between two of tennis’ all time greats!!!

10. SHAWN JOHNSON
NATIONALITY: American
SPORT/EVENT: Gymnastics

At 16 years of age, she’s one for the future!!
Nevertheless, Shawn comes to Beijing with some amazing results and a definite favourite.
She is the ’07 World All-Round champion and also helped USA secure the team Gold at the ’07 World Artistic Gymnastics Championships.
She thus arrives at the Olympics in prime form and rearing to go.

Could Beijing kick start what promises to be an illustrious career…???!!!

THE FINAL BATTLE

After 21 days of breath taking football, it’s time for the Final of the UEFA Euro ‘08.
The tactical battle between the two teams will unfold tonight at the Ernst-Happel Stadion in Vienna. The epicenter of this epic clash will undoubtedly be the midfield, which will be adorned by the best of players in the world.
Ballack, Podolski and Schweinsteiger will lead the German blitzkrieg while Xavi, Senna, Silva, Fabregas and Iniesta will forge ahead for the Spanish armada.

Germany has raw power. Up front, their hitman is the lethal Miroslav Klose, who’ll be ready to pounce on any ball that evades the Spanish defenders. Ballack and Podolski are always around if Klose misses. Nonetheless, the Germans have to contend with a highly efficient Spanish defense. The solid Puyol will bring with him a truckload of experience while the young and sprightly Sergio Ramos gives them the pace to tackle the German attackers.
Yet again at a final the worry for Germany is their Inspirational Captain Michael Ballack who is plagued by an injury and hence his fate hangs in the balance. But Bastian Schweinsteiger has off late shown that he too can produce creative play in the midfield and the return of Torsten Frings will undoubtedly give them a boost.
Another possible chink in their armour is Jens Lehmann. Age seems to have caught up with this goalie, having let in 6 goals and looked patchy at most times. He will be faced by a Spanish side that has been on a brutal, incessant attack.

Spain though have a minor worry in this regard, David Villa, their top scorer is reduced to a spectator, courtesy an injury picked up in the previous match. Thus, El Nino of Spanish Football, Fernando Torres is expected to shoulder the responsibility till the arrival of Daniel Guiza towards the latter stages. But Torres who had a brilliant season for Liverpool has seemed lackluster over the past fortnight, foiling a number of decent chances that came his way. It’s time for him to come good.
Nevertheless the Luis Aragones coached side has an arsenal brimming with confidence and rearing to go. Xavi Hernandez, Marcos Senna and David Silva are in sublime form. Not only can they set up Torres with precise crosses, they have the ammunition to go for goal themselves.
And then there is the ‘gold mine’ of a Spanish bench, boasting of the likes of Francesc Fabregas and Xabi Alonso!
Cesc Fabregas who has primarily started from the bench so far is likely to feature in the starting line up on Sunday night (ahead of Danny Guiza), with Spain packing their midfield and Torres the lone striker.
Fabregas brings with him a youthful exuberance and zest. He has rejuvenated the midfield with his second half cameos and put in an excellent performance against the Russians. With his pin point accuracy and uncanny eye for the goal, he could well change the fate of the match!
Finally, there’s Iker Cassillas, the Captain and goalie who has thus far been a wall in front of the goal. Having let in only 3 goals through the course of the tournament and saving two penalties in the shoot out against Italy, he has been Spain’s unsung hero. If España can continue their current form, there’s definitely no stopping the La Furia Roja from sweeping Europe!

History though has an obvious favourite, Germany, who are putting in their 6th appearance in the Final and are looking for their 4th victory. For Spain, the wait has been long, and their history as chokers doesn’t help either. They have made it to the Final twice and their only victory came way back in 1964!

So tonight as a record number of television viewers watch and fans pack themselves into Fan zones and the Stadium at Vienna, will the Germans make it title number six or will the Spanish Bull Run continue???!!!